Major events throughout 2017 have played a significant part in the strongest growth in international passenger numbers through Brisbane Airport in nearly ten years, reports Brisbane Airport Corporation.

Events such as the State of Origin, Battle of Brisbane, concerts and festivals have not only brought more international guests to the state, they have also boosted the profile of the city.  Along with new flights, airlines and more global destinations, this has contributed to a nearly 7 percent year on year growth of international passenger movements.  International passenger numbers grew to 5.8 million, with an increase of 372,300 travellers during the twelve months.

Julieanne Alroe, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) CEO and Managing Director said the world is seeing the city as the gateway to Queensland and Australia, plus, a destination in its own right.

“More international passengers are choosing Brisbane and Queensland as their first port of call in Australia and, with the additional airlines, flights and destinations we added to our network in 2017, it’s making it easier for them to come direct from all corners of the globe to experience Brisbane and all it has to offer.

“It’s not just our efforts as an airport to increase connectivity that has achieved this result, it is the combined efforts of our local and state governments, the airlines and other business partners banding together for Brisbane and Queensland that has really made the impact.

“This momentum and energy can only take us to new heights in 2018 and we look forward to playing our part in the growth and success of our city and state,” Ms Alroe said.

The 23^rd of December was the busiest day of the year at the international terminal, with 21,501 departures and arrivals over a 24-hour period.

The top international growth markets were China & Hong Kong (11% growth with an additional 42,800 passengers), Taiwan (31.7% growth with an additional 31,200 passengers), and Canada (31.9% growth with an additional 20,900 passengers).

With regards to domestic passengers, a growth of 0.8% was recorded with total passenger numbers over 17.2 million.

NRL matches hosted in Brisbane were a major factor in Townsville/Brisbane travel.

A decrease in travel between fly-in, fly-out destination was noted, as well as the volume to/from interstate ports impacted by the effects of Cyclone Debbie.

The September school holidays saw the busiest day of the year (29 September), with 62,530 passengers travelling that day.   

Year-on-year statistics are tabled below:

 Table source: Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC)

2018 is set to be another positive year, with BAC set to hit the half way mark in their infrastructure program valued $3.8 billion, and the new runway continues on schedule to open in 2020.